Secrets of the Vine: Breaking Through to Abundance

Have recommended this book; Secret of the Vine and Jabez Prayer.... Same Author....Gave it a 5 star because it 's a good read and helps you look at your self in a different light....Walking with him beside you

This book is definitely the better of Wilkinson's two books. While "The Prayer of Jabez" did give me insights into prayer, it did not center enough on Christ. This work corrects that error. He starts right away talking about the Lord and our relationship with him. I think that it is extraordinarily important to any study of Christianity. I would recommend that you read this book prior to "The Prayer of Jabez." If you already have read the other, you should read this one soon.
The second thing that I liked about this book is the characterization of discipline. He portrays God and our relationship with him so well. He describes a God that is not out there to SLAM us for the least little error, but a loving Father that is interested in growth. How true!
The third thing I enjoyed about this book is that it drew a distinction between pruning and discipline. I agree that there are times where the Lord is trying to correct a behavior in which we are participating and in the other he is trying to lead us on to more fruitful behavior.
The fourth thing I enjoyed about this book is the definition of fruit. I read this at a good time in my life. So often we think of fruit as simply leading people to the Lord. In this book he describes fruit as doing things that glorify God. So, we can see things like being a good father and husband, a good employee, and a good neighbor as all things we do to glorify God. This really helped me prioritize some of the things in my own life.
I can go on and on about this book, but I won't. You should just read it. What I enjoy most about this entire series of books is that they are brief and to the point. They teach a specific lesson and move on. I see them as having a larger scope than an individual sermon, but not so large that there needs to be volumes and volumes written. I hope to see more books in this series.

Bruce did a wonderful job of expounding on Jesus teaching about the vine and the branches. His analogy of the four baskets--from "no fruit" to "much fruit" is enlightenng. And his insight into the difference between discipline and pruning shows that both processes are painful and how we can discern between the two. Something we can all benefit by knowing, because at some time in our lives, if we are truly in the vine will experience both. I have.
It's encourageing to know that even during times of discipline the vinedresser--our loving Father--is caring for us in a tender, loving way, in order that we might bear fruit. If only we would choose to bend in the way that He chooses. And when He prunes us, even though it's painful, is for the purpose of expanding our fruitfulness.
While reading this little gem, I was able to recognize that the pain I suffered a couple of years ago was a result of God's pruning in my life. It brought joy when I recognized the fruit that sprung forth as a result of that pruning. Now, all I have is the task of living in obedience and abiding in Him, waiting for the pruning shears to cut again, in order for more fruit to come forth. What could be better?
But because I'm not perfect, at some time I'm sure the hand of disciple will touch me once again. Only after reading this book, now I know what to look for. I can discern why the pain is there, whether it be pruning or discipline.
By applying the Prayer of Jabez and the principles in Secrets of The Vine my life has been enriched. But something that struck me as I read this book was how often I miss out on understanding a spiritual truth, because I didn't take the time to really study. I have a Strong's Concordance, so I have no excuse. Why do I, like so many others, leave it to someone else to do the footwork for me?
Jesus gave the analogy of the vine and the branches for a reason. But how many of us have looked into what tending a vineyard is all about? If we had, we wouldn't need Bruce to show us.
2 Timothy 2:15 says, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." NIV How can we correctly handle the Word if we don't read it--study it? Each of us has a responsibility to study for ourselves. I want my life to be as enriched as Bruce's, because I took the time to find out for myself by thorough study.
By Bruce's faithfulness, he is bearing "much fruit", and I am thankful that God is using him to help others have a better understanding of what scipture teaches, including myself.
This comprehensive book can help your understanding of the vinedresser's work in your life. Do you desire to bear fruit and then more fruit? Do you want to learn what it means to abide in the vine? Are you suffering through painful circumstanes and wonder why? Then I highly recommend you read this book, along with careful personal study, and begin to bear the fruit you were destined to bear. The Lord Bless You until He Comes!

I was intrigued to read Wilkinson's "follow up" to the the work on Jabez's prayer-- especially after seeing the way it polarized so many people (being completely for it, or completely against it). I wondered what he would say, what message he would carry on, how we would clarify (if at all) the ideas presented in his first book.
The one aspect I did not like about Jabez was that it seemed so preoccupied with material things (hence, much of the criticism that was levelled at the work-- and much of the interest in it at the same time). In the "Secrets of the Vine," which I thought might lead us more towards "getting that stuff" (i.e. Was there a magic thing to do while you prayed the prayer of Jabez? Did you need to say it in a certain tone, or certain amout of times...?), I was impressed that Wilkinson directs us to...
Intimacy with God.
That's it. And that's really what we need to know. Know, intellectually-- and know, experientially.
Wilkinson speaks of what that looks like-- and wrestles (skillfully-- much more skillfully than in the prayer of Jabez) with the text of John 15 ("I am the vine, you are the branches... Abide in me...").
He speaks of how God wants to (not bless us with stuff) use us so that we can be a blessing. And how we must be intimate with Him for Him to shape us into vessels He can use to do that. Incredible.
Even if you didn't like Jabez, by this one.

The Secrets of the Vine shows Christians how they are to have a personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Using the parable of the vinedresser from John 15 in the Bible, this book provides valuable insight into the ways in which we are to become more intimate with the Father. The reason for the parable is to learn how God "prunes" us in order to prepare us for bearing more spiritual fruit.

By allowing us free will, God has allowed us to make our own choices throughout life. This book shows us how to see just how close we can become to our spiritual Father in heaven. It provides valuable information for developing the relationship that we should have as opposed to the "fire insurance" of having Christ as our Savior alone. There is so much more to a relationship with Christ than just saying a prayer to accept Him into our lives. Building that relationship is exhilarating and necessary for us to live as productive Christians throughout the rest of our lives.
This book has value for Christians and non-Christians alike, allowing them to see that there is more to life than to just exist. This book is the second in the series but more than adequately provides beneficial information to be read by itself. Pick up "Secrets of the Vine" and see why this book is a crucial part of any believer's life.

Secrets of the Vine walks us through the first half of John 15, where Jesus says, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser...I am the vine, you are the branches." As Christians we have likely heard this metaphor before, but have we really grasped all that it implies?
Taking slight liberties with the text, Wilkinson introduces us to four distinct stages of a vine bearing fruit: no fruit, fruit, more fruit and much fruit. He expands on each, introducing us to our current stage and offering helpful guidance to propel us toward the "much fruit" category.
The first "secret" talks of God's fatherly discipline that pushes us toward a life that bears fruit. Secret number two is that God the vinedresser will prune us of our selfish desires so we can bear even more fruit. Secret number three involves God's invitation to abide more deeply with Him.
In the words of the author, "...the secrets of the vine reveal how God changes you so that you will become even more useful (fruitful) for His glory."
This little book will help you come to terms with the current struggles you have in your life, and focus your attention on becoming the person God meant you to be. Highly recommended.
Larry Hehn, Author of Get the Prize: Nine Keys for a Life of Victory

Secrets of the Vine is a continuation to the popular and very well written Prayer of Jabez. I think this book is a more helpful spiritual journey than the first book was. Not to take anything away from the Prayer of Jabez. (Which has totally changed my life for the better) But this is easier to see where he is going and how to make the abundant life that he discussed in the first book.
Secrets contains the look at John 15. Which I have read many of times, but never grasped the full message that Jesus was talking about here. It went over my head. Just as it did to the disciples that day standing in the garden. But now the secret has been opened, and wow does it explain what I have been missing.
It contains four versions of the vine and the look at each one. "No fruit", "Little fruit", "Some fruit", and "Abundant fruit". And through this book Wilkinson shows that God is continually pruning you to create more fruit for yourself. But you have to be willing and ready to take the pruning necessary. I loved this book, and it's not hard to read. It has really changed they way I look at my life. Much like his predecessor book "Prayer of Jabez" and it's not filled with hard to understand concepts that you get you lost or confused. Instead it's right there.
A must have for yourself.

I enjoy hearing what others have to say about the Bible, especially those who have a knowledge of Hebrew. They can gather meanings that are not apparent to me from the plain words in the English translation. I was delighted to find that The Secrets of the Vine focuses on one of the most puzzling Bible stories I have ever read, and expanded my knowledge of what that story means. Through a combination of this new understanding and reflecting on The Prayer of Jabez, I have come to appreciate new choices concerning my relationship to God. That's a great gift, and I feel deeply moved by the experience. I think you will be, too.
After the Last Supper, Jesus took His disciples outside to visit a vineyard in order to teach a lesson. Obviously, this was a most important lesson because it came as the last ordinary conversation they could have together in person. The story is told in John 15.
"I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser." John 15:1
"Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away . . . ."
". . . and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."
"I am the vine, you are the branches."
"He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit."
"By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit."
Bruce Wilkinson does a good job of explaining about viticulture as a way of expanding the meaning of these passages. The vine itself is the bulky gnarly trunk that comes up from the ground and is kept pruned into just a few branches. The branches are tied up to keep them in the air. If they are not tied up, they fall to the ground where dirt and disease will keep them from bearing fruit. The branches must be cut back in order that the vine will produce fruit rather than leaves and new growth. The older the vine gets, the more it has to be cut back to be productive. But the older it gets, the better the grapes can be.
If you have fallen off the wires, God will tie you back up so that you can once again bear fruit. Once there, He will keep you pruned.
The book argues then that much of the time we will feel like we are being disciplined (in a loving way) when we sin or pruned (to become more productive) when we are doing God's work. The book describes how to tell when you are receiving the one versus the other. Both may be painful, but each provides a different lesson.
What I got from this interpretation is that we should focus on how we can better do God's will. Mr. Wilkinson makes a fine point when he says that "we don't really believe God likes us." I often find it hard to imagine why God would be willing to put up with our tiny and incomplete lives. When we overcome that feeling though, we can realize that God wants us to strengthen our relationship with Him first to "deepen the quality of my devoted time with God" and then to "broaden my devoted time" until it is "all the time."
A particular point that was revealing to me was that this means we should spend more time abiding with God and less time doing works. Most of us try to do more and more works. The final pruning causes us to bear more fruit. "If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to abide more deeply with Him."
I also see this as an invocation to narrow our focus onto God, so that His will permeates our thoughts and actions more thoroughly. Obviously, one action taken through God's will accomplishes much more than all of our actions taken without His will.
As a test of the validity of these thoughts, I was pleased to see that they made my experiences with the prayer of Jabez more vivid and moving. Thinking about this Bible lesson from John 15 also served to expand and sharpen my mental and visual focus. I took these experiences to mean that these messages were redirecting my life. I am very grateful for the experience.
After you have read and prayed upon what you learn from this book, may you find ways to abide more and more deeply with God. God bless you!

This is another Wilkinson book I read nearly a decade ago. It is linked with the Prayer of Jabez and explores John 15 (1-2, 5, 8) - "I am the true vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit." Secret #1: If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to discipline you. Secret #2: If your life bears some fruit, God will intervene to prune you. Secret #3: If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to abide more deeply with Him. We are created to glorify God so we must cooperate with His ways and respond in obedience and trust. Although Secrets of the Vine was not as popular as The Prayer of Jabez, I feel it is a much better book.

Bruce Wilkinson, has done an excellent job with this book, helping Christians discern the struggles in their lives with consequences of bad choices. When in the midst of crisis, turmoil and etc. we easy say "Why Me?" This is a clear and concise approach to the famous question `why bad things happen to good people'. As with the Prayer of Jebez, Wilkinson uses a methodological approach to understanding life's struggles.
Bruce Wilkinson eloquently, explained punishment versus pruning. Knowing this now, before questioning "Why me", I stop to ask am I being punished for not being obedient or am I being pruned for improvements.
I enjoyed this book more than Wilkinson's "Prayer of Jebez". However I feel the Prayer of Jebez fans will also find this book useful.
This is an excellent book! I occasionally review view for guidance and reassurance.

Building on the power and privilege of Prayer, the author takes
the next step and elaborates on Jesus's teaching of His vineyard.
To live the truly abundant Kingdom life of love, peace, joy and the fruit of the Spirit, one must be abiding in the vine of
Christ where the flow of the Holy Spirit can fill the life of
the believer.
This book makes living in the Spirit very practical and gives
powerful illustrations about cultivating and harvesting grapes
from healthy vines in the lives of those who follow Jesus' vineyard principles.
Important concepts like Planting, Pruning, Perseverence, and
Purity flesh out the secrets of the vine. When we realize our
Heavenly Father is the Gardener/Caretaker, Christ is the Vine
and we are but branches, we realize the Lord will flow the life
sap of the Spirit through us to produce abundant quality and
quantity fruit to His Glory as we remain in His Word.
Blessed are they who hear the Word of God and keep it!
Do not be filled with spirits, but be being filled with the Spirit!

If you ever wondered why certain things happen in your life this little book opens a whole new understanding. Now when you go through a confusing time, a hard time or a painful time you can have the hope and faith to know your heavenly Father is at work in your life. This little book will bring all of life's little pleasures and life's hardships into perspective. You will be able to see the big picture of life and accept it as part of the process of becoming the person God intended you to be. Bruce Wilkinson explains in detail why Jesus referred to the grapevine and what the meaning of his teaching was. He illustrates the magnificent procedure of vinedressing and parallels it to our life in Christ. Whether your walk with God is brand new or you have been with Him all your life, this book is a blessing that will take you to the next level of intimacy with the Father.

I read this out of curiosity more than anything. I didn't like Jabez, and I wasn't expecting much out of this either. But I did find it to be better than Jabez. I'm still not convinced it is entirely biblically sound, but he has some good points and some interesting applications. And I didn't find anything I seriously objected to, like with Jabez.
I found his explanation of vineyards and grapevines very helpful in understanding this passage of John. I thought he did a good job in making the distinction between discipline and pruning, and that is important. But I disagree that abiding is the next step after bearing much fruit. I think that abiding is a continuous state for all Christians...without Jesus, you can do nothing. Including bear fruit. So you need to be abiding to bear fruit in the first place.
I can't really argue with anything he said per se, but I do think he still bordered on the "this is the secret of getting what you want out of God" type of mentality, which I'm uncomfortable with. My radar always goes up when authors use phrases like "God wants to....if you'll just let him" and assorted other phrases that seem to suggest that God's action is dependent on my permission. God is God and doesn't need my permission to do anything. He's the Creator and I'm the creature, and it's not my place to tell him how to form me, as Romans tells us. The clay doesn't say to the potter "Why have you made me this way?"
I also liked the idea of a spiritual journal, but I doubt that I'll ever do it as he describes. I've tried it in the past and it just doesn't work for me.
So I guess Secrets is a good read, but I'd be discerning too.

Not abundance as the world--and some Christians--define it.

In some way a better book than his more famous "The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking Through to the Blessed Life". Certainly rests on a firmer foundation scripturally.

Takeway: "Apart from [Jesus] you can do nothing."

For those who need to examine their walk with the Lord on a deeper and personal level (that's all of us) this book concentrates the subject of remaining in the vine with authority. Often I find myself slipping from the vine, even when performing witnessing work, and I have to keep reminding myself to remain in the vine or the branch(me) will be cut off the vine and dry up. When I run out of steam I know I haved veered off course. Secrets of the Vine will help you understand what Jesus was talking about so you can be a more effective witness for the Lord. The book was easy to read and I do recommend the book. - James Russell, Author of the Christian devotional book, "Walking With The Lord."

"Secrets of the Vine" is a sequel to Bruce Wilkinson's best selling "The Prayer of Jabez". In this book he uses grapes and vineyards as analogies for our lives and the fruit we are called upon to produce. He tells about 3 "secrets" or stages in life where God can intervene and help us to bear more fruit. He details the stumbling blocks we can come across in our Christian life and shows us how God can rescue us in any stage of despair or period of life when we are not bearing fruit. As always, Wilkinson has a way of encouraging the reader to look deeper into himself and shows how we can live life more abundantly in the way God intends us to live.